Lizard Point Wildlife Watchpoint

Marine life

One of the most popular daily highlights at the watchpoint are the Atlantic grey seals which can been seen hauled out on the rocks just offshore or 'bottling' (sleeping) in the water close by. Throughout the summer dolphins, porpoise, sunfish and the occasional whale and basking shark can also be seen from the watchpoint.

Birds

Lizard Point is one of the best places to see seabirds in UK with exciting species such as
gannets, puffins, terns, guillemots, razorbills, various skuas and shearwaters travelling through the English Channel. Many of these species are travelling far out to see, but with the help of our telescopes and a bit of patience you have all the tools you need to see some super species.

There are lots of birds to see closer to shore too. Britain’s most southerly point is home to a pair of red-billed choughs, a type of crow that was once extinct in ‘the Duchy’ (the county). Choughs are a local cultural icon, they feature on the Cornish coat of arms, so you shouldn’t leave Cornwall without attempting to see one. 

There is a resident kestrel who often gives amazing aerial displays at eye level before descending on its prey. Other species reguarly seen include swallows, oystercatchers, turnstones and whimbrels. 

In spring and summer, Lizard Point is well known for attracting southern overshoots; these are bird species that normally migrate north to summer in the Mediterranean but often land at Lizard Point and include a range of colourful species such as the hoopoe, which turn up annually in small numbers, bee-eater, woodchat shrike, red-rumped swallow, golden oriole and black kites occurring in most springs.

What makes the Lizard so unique?

The Lizard peninsula is also renowned for its unusual geology and vast array of botanical life. With its spectacular colourful cliffs and great swaths of heathland the Lizard boasts a wealth of wildlife and is home to over 250 species of national or international conservation importance, some of which only occur here on The Lizard peninsula. Recently much of the area we look after was designated as a National Nature Reserve, find out more here. 

How to find us and what’s on

The Wildlife Watchpoint is open from 10am-4pm every day from April to mid-September (weather permitting). It’s based at Lizard Point, the most southerly tip of mainland Britain (TR12 7NU).

As well as all the wonderful things to see outside, inside the Watchpoint hut there are wildlife displays, and fun activities for all the family. Watchpoint volunteers host guided walks on Wednesdays throughout the summer. 

For more information on local events and guided walks go to our event listings or visit our Facebook page. For more information about wildlife on the Lizard visit the Linking the Lizard website, which has information about our work with our local partners. 

Get involved

We are looking for enthusiastic people, with a love of wildlife, to join the Watchpoint team. You don’t need to be a wildlife expert; so long as you are friendly and enjoy talking to people you’ll be perfect for the watchpoint.

Or join the nest protection team? Help protect Cornish choughs by monitoring their nest site. We protect the nest round the clock so there are day-time and evening shifts available. 

For more information about volunteering with us please email or call 01326 222170